Quinsin Nachoff

Drawing on the concepts of emerging nature patterns and a glimpse into astrology, Torontonian in New York, tenor saxophonist Quinsin Nachoff subtly mixes these ideas into distinctive performances without overt fustiness. Part of the distinction is that the concepts are expressed as the saxophonist, bassist Mark Helias and drummer Matt Mitchell integrate their explorations with concomitant textures from the strings of the Bergamot Quartet on two of the three tracks and with the Bergamot and an additional string quartet, The Rhythm Method, on the third.

Amalgamation is so accurate that the tonal structure expressed during the disc only becomes more intense in the final sequences of “Pendulum”, which includes all eight string players. Even there the horizontal exposition is distinctively pierced by arco string sawing and pizzicato plucks during interludes when balanced by reed flutter tonguing, drum paradiddles and Helias’ thick bass thumps. With the final sequence faster and narrower, the climatic resolution involves reed twittering meeting accelerating string stops.

A torrent of string resonation helps preserve compositional continuum on the other tracks. Canny arrangements also allow trio and quartet members to switch roles. On the extended “Sagittarius” for instance when Nachoff sounds fluid flutters and trills, the strings respond with staccato judders. Alternately the string quartet’s undulating harmonies sympathetically frame altissimo reed screams, and cymbal patterning. Meanwhile Helias and Miller consistently maintain a swing pulse.

Most importantly Stars and Constellations impresses because Nachoff and associates express consistent ideas not by creating a session where an improvising trio is accompanied by strings, but one which seamlessly embeds the improvisers exploratory creativity within equally expressive string patterns.

–Ken Waxman

Track Listing: 1. Scorpio 2. Pendulum 3. Sagoittarius

Personnel: Quinsin Nachoff (tenor saxophone); Mark Helias (bass) and Dan Weiss (drums) plus The Bergamot Quartet: Ledah Finck and Sarah Thomas (violins); Amy Huimei Tan (viola) and Irène Han (cello) and The Rhythm Method: Josh Henderson and Erica Dicker (violins); Leah Asher (viola); Meaghan Burke (cello); Matt Holman (conductor)

— for Musicworks Winter 2023/2024